Students, parents and University Police are collaborating on a project intended to provide members of the University community with quicker access to emergency information using LCD screens around Grounds.
Outgoing Student Council President Darius Nabors devised the original idea to place more LCD screens in Newcomb Hall and other buildings so student groups can broadcast their events; however, upon meeting with the U.Va. Parents Committee and University Police, he realized there is also the potential to use the screens for safety purposes.
"Flyering on grounds is not effective [for groups], so this was a way to make it easier," Nabors said. "We realized the safety implications after [talking with] the U.Va. Parents Committee."
The U.Va. Parents Committee and the Student Activities Committee are the main financers of this project, but the initiative will also rely on University Police efforts, Nabors said.
University Police Chief Michael Gibson said he is always looking for new ways to reach out to the University community and noted the LCD screens could provide valuable information to students.
Associate Dean of Students Bill Ashby said the University plans to hire a company to establish the necessary infrastructure. This company would synchronize LCD screens, establish a central server and eventually also create a way for students to receive instant text messages on their cell phones or desktop pop-ups if a serious emergency were to arise.
According to Dean of Students Penny Rue, e-mail is currently the primary means of notifying the University community of an emergency. If Gibson finds that a reported incident merits a timely notification, he is required by federal law to notify University officials, whothen decide if an e-mail message should be distributed.
Although e-mail will remain the primary means by which emergency messages are sent, these new services will aim to supplement it.
"At some level the system will be operational by fall 2007," Ashby said. "We are getting ready for implementation."
-- Jordan Dods contributed to this article.
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